Import Marked WWII Garand

I have a bit of a dilemma and I need some advice and opinions. I have come across an interesting Garand and I am in a quandary as to what to do. I bought what was supposed to be a substantially correct and unmolested March of 45 Garand with all original parts and some good honest wear – along with a pretty nice SA/NFR stock. Came out of a WWI vets estate, family has no interest, blah, blah, blah. Buy the rifle, not the story, 3-day inspection period allows me the flexibility to be sure I am getting what I expect. Paid what you would expect to pay for a nice WWII era rifle. Rifle arrived and it was filthy and my biggest concern was the bore. This rifle had been shot, and carbon fouling was everywhere. TE=3, and a patch through the barrel revealed a pretty nice looking bore…it also uncovered a teeny tiny ARL ORD import mark on the barrel by the muzzle. One of those very early, very small, nicely done markings…uh-oh! Seller avows no knowledge, and based on conversations prior to making the deal I tend to believe him. He agrees that value of rifle is impacted by presence of markings, now we need to decide by how much. To me, this is a rifle that was imported in its original WWII configuration and would make a nice addition to a collection. I just don’t want to have to make apologies in the form of dollar bills somewhere down the road due to the presence of the import markings.

How much, in the form of yankee dollars, do the markings affect the value? $100, $200? $300? $500, more?

Thoughts, suggestions, comments??

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Originally Posted by Sgt Rock

I have a bit of a dilemma and I need some advice and opinions. I have come across an interesting Garand and I am in a quandary as to what to do. I bought what was supposed to be a substantially correct and unmolested March of 45 Garand with all original parts and some good honest wear – along with a pretty nice SA/NFR stock. Came out of a WWI vets estate, family has no interest, blah, blah, blah. Buy the rifle, not the story, 3-day inspection period allows me the flexibility to be sure I am getting what I expect. Paid what you would expect to pay for a nice WWII era rifle. Rifle arrived and it was filthy and my biggest concern was the bore. This rifle had been shot, and carbon fouling was everywhere. TE=3, and a patch through the barrel revealed a pretty nice looking bore…it also uncovered a teeny tiny ARL ORD import mark on the barrel by the muzzle. One of those very early, very small, nicely done markings…uh-oh! Seller avows no knowledge, and based on conversations prior to making the deal I tend to believe him. He agrees that value of rifle is impacted by presence of markings, now we need to decide by how much. To me, this is a rifle that was imported in its original WWII configuration and would make a nice addition to a collection. I just don’t want to have to make apologies in the form of dollar bills somewhere down the road due to the presence of the import markings.

How much, in the form of yankee dollars, do the markings affect the value? $100, $200? $300? $500, more?

Thoughts, suggestions, comments??

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Sgt Rock -Depends on what you actually paid for the rifle...if it was $500.00 I wouldn't sweat it. $1000.00 ??...well without pictures..I'd suggest about $300.00 deduction ..depending on other factors..Springfield or Winchester? Overall general condition ete.

I had this dilemma a few years ago. I was interested in an all correct gap letter. It was import marked on the barrel--nothing obtrusive but it was import marked. I discussed this with leemazoid and he said 'What the heck. It is still an all correct gap letter. So it has an import mark on it." Given that advice, I bought the rifle and I haven't regretted it since. I think I paid $985 for it about 2 or 3 years ago. I wouldn't think value would be affected more than $100 or $200 at the most in my case. HTH Al

It is so rare to find one with most all of it's original parts, particularly in the case of the WWII Garand. Personally, if all of the parts appear to be original and closely matching in wear patterns and condition, maybe $250-$300. Condition and originality would trump the import mark IMHO.

Sgt Rock - I replied to your PM... "dbarn" and I think alike!!

Now!!...Post some pictures!!!

My opinion is $200 less for the import mark if it is unobtrusive.

I have a rifle that's just like yours except it a 3371xxx with correct SA/GAW stock and all original-correct parts. The lock bar staked on the rear sight has never been broken. Obviously some of the rifles imported in the 80's from Korea and elsewhere were unalterd originals in grungy but nice condition when cleaned up. My attitude is that the import mark is just another day in the history of the rifle unless horribly done and obtrusive. I know some think that it detracts from value but I don't really understand why as unaltered, original rifles are so difficult to find at all. I'd much rather have this rifle with it's import mark than one that has been restored by a collector/enthusiast. Just my 2 cents so take it for what it's worth.

I wouldn't be lead down the primrose path thinking that an import rifle would be correct as a lot of imports were put together from rifles that were to beat up to sell. Blue Sky is one of them. I read that the stamp was so heavy on a carbine barrel that when it was fired it blew the barrel. I believe it was in the CMP forum where I read it.

A politician would rather climb a tree to tell a lie, than stand on the ground and tell the truth

Well, I understand your point but I've been collecting for 30 years and in the trade for the last 20. I know a rifle that hasn't been screwed with be it an M1Rifle or No.4T Lee Enfield sniper. Call it a gut feeling if you will but I've been using it forever and have never been burnt seriously. The rifle I have just smells right if you know what I mean. The finish on all of the parts have the same wear patterns and patina and I really do believe that this particular rifle has been together since day one. I also know the guy I purchased it from. It was before all the massive increases in value and he isn't in the trade nor would he have any reason to put one over on anyone let alone me. He actually wanted it back a few years ago but I decided to keep it. I have a few other M1 rifles I've restored, (back when it was affordable), that are now correct but aren't as honest for obvious reasons and I think I'd part with them before I'd part with this one. I have 20 M1 service rifles and four legit snipers in my Garand collection so I know just a little bit about them. ATB.

I'm with Brian, I have only two M1s at this time. One old banger and a early SA, 328219 with English proofs under the op rod handle. It's all correct down to the round firing pin. No matter what some say, the members of this forum would love to be able to absorb it into their masses and that would happen unquestionably. I don't think there would be quibbling by most about import marks. By the sounds of it you want this rifle for you, not resale. Hang on for a few years and it will increase in value in spite of it's self.